Friday, January 11, 2013

How Archduchess Eleonora fell in love with a mere Lieutenant

January 11, 1913

More details about the romance between Archduchess Eleonora of Austria and Lt. Alfons von Kloss have emerged.  The couple were married on January 9, two days before Eleonora's younger sister, Archduchess Mechtildis married Prince Olfgierd Czartoriski.

Both Archduchesses, daughters of Archduke Karl Stephan, were required to renounced their titles and position as their husbands were not of equal rank.

The New York Times reports that the 32-year-old Lt. von Kloss is "very popular with his fellow officers.  He fell in love with Archduchess Eleonora, who is six years his junior, several years ago.   Lt. von Kloss has been the commander of Archduke Karl Stephan's yacht, Rovenska.

The Archduke and his family often took "pleasure cruises which lasted for days."   Eleonora was naturally present, which meant she often saw von Koss. 

An "affection sprang up" between them, but Eleonora and Alfons managed to keep their romance a secret until recently.

Archduke Karl Stephan and his wife, Archduchess Maria Theresa, were informed about the romance only after Eleonora had written to a cousin, telling her of the "romantic attachment."

She wrote: "I shall never give my hand to another. I hope to spend a happy life at the side of the only man I love."

The young Archduchess, after her parents discussed the situation, made it clear to them that she was in love with Alfons von Kloss.  Consent was given.

Emperor Franz Josef was also informed about the marriage.  He made several inquiries in regards to Lt. von Kloss,  with the reports being satisfactory. 

Lieutenant von Kloss was summoned to me the Emperor, who gave his consent to the marriage. 

The engagement was celebrated at Archduke Karl Stephan's castle in Saybusch, Silesia.

Alfons von Kloss is the son of a naval officer who was raised to the nobility after leaving service three years ago.

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